The white, sandy beaches and warm, sunny climate of this Gulf of Mexico locale are the major attractions of the island. At present, the Town of South Padre Island represents the only development on the island. Marketing studies indicate the need for residential and recreational development which would take full advantage of the islands outstanding features.

R. W. Thorpe and Associates, Inc. created site plan alternatives which included sisngle/multi-family residential, and mobile home development. An 18-hole golf course, golf clubhouse and tennis complex are proposed on the west, the Laguna Madre side of the site, with single family residential lots at approximately 1/3 acre each. A maximum number of lots would be developed adjacent to the fairways in conjunction with the golf and tennis recreation amenities.

Across Park Road, which bisects the site, the eastern portion boasts 1-1/2 miles of beach frontage along the Gulf of Mexico. Proposed development includes clusters of single family lots, multi-family condominiums and/or mobile home/recreational vehicle sites. Public pedestrian right-of-way is provided at each development cluster with boardwalks or bridges through vegetated areas and over sand dunes to the beach.

Site development on South Padre Island respects the existing system of sand dunes and the natural washover channels which run through the site. Clusters of development are created between the channels while maintaining the integrity of the primary existing dunes. The dune protection zone and washover channels provide natural open space, view corridors and pedestrianways to beaches where natural vegetation is maintained and enhanced.

R. W. Thorpe & Associates, Inc.
Planning ~ Landscape Architecture ~ Environmental ~ Economics ~ Project Management